Air link with Taipei

MANADO, North Sulawesi: A Taiwan-based airline Trans Asia Airways will begin service linking Taipei and Manado via the southern Philippine city of Davao next month, North Sulawesi Governor C.J. Rantung said.

"Initially, it will be a charter service, but we hope eventually it will become a regular scheduled service," Rantung said.

The route will be another step in North Sulawesi's effort to "go international," he said, pointing out that Manado is already linked with Singapore by Silk Air the Antara news agency reported.

The governor urged local businessmen to explore the business potential opened by direct accesses from Manado to foreign capitals.(prs)